Red Light Camera Program
Automated Red Light Camera System
Red-light violations result in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries nationally each year. The purpose of the automated red-light camera program is to reduce the number of red-light collisions and injuries associated with these crashes within the City of Covina.
Where are the red-light cameras located?
Within the jurisdiction of the Covina Police Department, there are three intersections with camera installations. Each intersection is marked clearly with signs. Additionally, there is a red light camera system at the Los Angeles County controlled intersection of Hollenbeck & Cypress.
Barranca & Rowland
Grand & Badillo
Azusa & Cypress
How does the red-light camera work?
- The system activates when motion is detected just prior to the stop bar AFTER the traffic signal has turned red. The cameras capture two images of an alleged violation, taken from the rear of the vehicle.
- The first image shows the vehicle at the white stop bar (limit line) and the illuminated red light.
- The second image shows the violator in the middle of the intersection with the red light illuminated.
- The license plate image is a close-up from one of the images captured.
- Data, including the time, date, and duration of the yellow and red lights, also is recorded.
- Cameras also record a 12-second digital video of the violation, including six seconds prior to and six seconds after running the red light.
See a short video on how the red light system works:
Why does the camera flash when no one actually runs the red light?
The red-light camera system is designed to take two rear photographs of a vehicle that may be committing a violation. The first rear image captures the vehicle prior to entering the intersection with the traffic signal red, and the second image shows the vehicle continuing through the intersection during the red signal phase. On occasion, a vehicle approaching an intersection with a red light may come to a stop before entering the intersection yet trigger the red-light camera system, causing the flash to discharge. In addition, a vehicle approaching the intersection and making a right turn may not come to a complete stop but only slow before continuing to turn, triggering the red-light camera system and causing the flash to discharge. The Covina Police Department reviews each violation event captured by the red-light camera system and makes the final decision to issue a citation. All flash incidents do not equate to a citation; however, the imaging results in 80%+ accuracy in identifying excessive speed approaches. Installed in 2007, Covina’s red-light camera system addresses safety issues at these intersections. The Covina Police Department continues to monitor intersections and improve the effectiveness of the photo enforcement program.
To view your Red Light Camera Violation online, you will need your Notice # and Pin #, which are located in the box at the top right of the violation notice you received in the mail.